This is a specified relationship layout that uses nine tiles to analyse where a romantic relationship is at and where it is headed. The first tile shows where it is at now, and can be considered the significator. The second and third tiles determine where your partner stands and how it relates to where you are at personally.
Above the stem, the three-card base of the layout, a cup forms. Tiles #4 and #5 show each person's desires, meaning what they want to get out of this coupling. Above this, Tiles #6 and #7 show the challenge that this pairing presents to each individual. The final two tiles at the top form the rim of the cup, symbolic of the taste of the relationship to each person, which shows how things will turn out on each side.

The Future Outcome (To be read in tandem with the tile below)![]() Bamboo 6 |
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The Future Outcome (To be read in tandem with the tile above)![]() North Wind |
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Challenges Which May Arise for You![]() Wan 9 |
Challenges Which May Arise for Your Lover![]() West Wind |
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Desires in Relation to Your Question![]() Winter |
Your Lover's Desires![]() Wan 8 |
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Nature of Your Issue![]() Wan 2 |
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Your Lover's Current Position![]() South Wind |
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The Current State of Things![]() Chrysanthemum |
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The Current State of Things
The Chrysanthemum is a symbol of entertainment and leisure time. Social activities will be happy and fulfilling. You might even want to take a vacation and have the time of your life.
The South Wind tile is a particularly favourable sign. It foretells an end to problems allowing for new progress.
Red, summer, fire, phoenix
The Sword stands for an important decision you will need to make. You must be careful to use balance as you weigh your decision, or risk damage to yourself if not others.
The Scholar represents the cultured mind, prudence, and spiritual development. Some think of this tile more specifically as Confucius. This is the sign of refinement of the intellect and the mastery of intellectually oriented tasks.
The Knot tile stands for both tying and setting loose. If this tile appears in the reading with the Sword tile (2 Wan), it suggests that the time to sever your connection to someone or something has arrived. However, if the Duck tile (2 Bamboo) is in this reading, this indicates the strengthening of an existing bond.
The Heaven tile signifies achievement, completion, and fulfilment. It suggests perfect contentment and a time you can be free to kick back and feast upon the fruits of your labours.
The West Wind tile signifies some kind of obstacle blocking your path that must be overcome before you can make true progress.
White, autumn, metal, tiger
The Water tile is about communication and traveling. You may be looked to for advice on something regarding your unique experience.
The North Wind tile warns that you may hit a rough patch in your journey. Be watchful and you can navigate this bump in the road without losing much. If the South Wind is also present, this tile will be nullified.
Black, winter, water, tortoise